Swing Club Hosts Harlem Nights
Talented swing dancers from all over the West Coast are coming to Logan this weekend as part of the six annual Harlem Nights swing dance festivals. In addition to a weekend of dancing, talented dancers will spin, dip and flip in the Hellzapoppin’ Lindy Competition for a prize of $1,000.
Event organizer Heidi Eiman said Harlem Nights is “a celebration of jazz music and vintage swing dancing. It’s a time for dancers to come together and learn more about swing dancing.”
Eiman said the event is hosted by the USU Big Band Swing Club and Elite Hall, which is open to the general public. Harlem Nights culminates in a dance at Elite Hall on Saturday night. There will be a live band, The Larry Smith Combo, as well as team performances, refreshments and the final round of the Hellzapoppin’ Competition, Eiman said.
Swing Club president Emilee King said Harlem Nights is something students should not miss.
“Harlem Nights is our most anticipated and biggest event of the year,” she said. “There are workshops with instructors; people come from all over.”
Eiman said students should come and get involved.
“It’s a lot of fun. If you like swing or jazz music at all, it’s a great way to express yourself in a way you can’t at concerts,” Eiman said.
Harlem Nights features guest instructors Michael Faltesek and Casey Schneider, both from Seattle, who will conduct workshops, Eiman said.
“I’m really excited about the workshops,” said Sarah Tritsch, senior in liberal arts. “Michael Faltesek specializes in jazz steps and really focuses on the basics and getting to the start of swing dancing.”
New this year is a two-track workshop schedule with either beginning or advanced lessons. To help accommodate smaller classes, Eiman said talented local teachers Shane and Julie Shurtleff will be helping out with classes, and Ron Capuney will be coming from Salt Lake City.
Most of the workshops and dances are Saturday, she said, but a dance will also be held Friday night in the Carousel Ballroom of the Bullen Center. Eiman said the Logan swing community has been anxiously waiting for event.
“It’s the only opportunity in Cache Valley to dance with world-class dancers,” Eiman said.
Many dancers from out of state have already confirmed their attendance.
“I think of Harlem Nights as a way to interact and connect with a larger swing community on a national, even an international level,” said Isaac Ward, sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering and swing enthusiast.
“It’s a great time to show off what you do know and learn what you don’t,” he said.
King said for some students, swing dancing is a highlight of the week.
“It’s hard to be unhappy while swing dancing, in fact it’s impossible. I’ve never been unhappy while dancing,” King said.
King said many first-timers are intimidated by talented dancers, but said fears should be put to rest.
“I wouldn’t have come back if people weren’t so nice and patient,” she said. “People don’t care how good you are. They’re just happy that you’re there dancing.”
Ward agrees and said it is a great way to forget about the everyday hassles.
“It’s important to have a way to express yourself to other people where you’re not going to be judged,” he said. “It’s a good way to let go of the stresses of every day student life.”
This year the event will be held at some new venues, such as the Carousel Ballroom. Eiman said they worked to choose the best venues and local bands in Logan. She said they have a unique schedule this year containing more venues.
Eiman said often intense weekends of dances and workshops can ring up a hefty bill, but this year Harlem Nights will be very affordable with some of the best rates around. Eiman said a weekend pass is $55, which includes all the dances and workshops.
“We had a lot of good sponsorship. We’ve been able to keep the price low,” Eiman said.
More Information concerning Harlem Nights or the Swing Club, visit www.usu.edu/swing.
–r.perkins@aggiemail.usu.edu
LC